Code Vein

About Code Vein

Shift created Code Vein as an action RPG released on September 26, 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Bandai Namco published this title set in a ruined future where skyscrapers lie silent under the Thorns of Judgment. Players control Revenants, vampire-like survivors hiding in the underground sanctuary called Vein. These characters trade memories for Gifts, supernatural powers that help them fight the Lost, mindless ghouls hunting for blood. The game blends dark fantasy aesthetics with combat mechanics reminiscent of soulslikes but adds a distinct anime style. You navigate desolate cities and ancient ruins while managing your character's bloodlust to avoid losing your humanity completely.

Gameplay

You move through level-based zones that function as interconnected hubs filled with enemies and hidden loot. Combat relies on timing, dodging, and parrying rather than blocking heavy attacks. Your character wields weapons like swords or greatswords alongside special Gifts that act as magic spells or environmental traps. You can summon two companions to fight alongside you in single player or invite others for co-op sessions up to three players total. The system lets you fuse with defeated enemies to steal their abilities and craft new equipment from gathered materials. Rest points called Miasma allow you to recover health and revive fallen allies at the cost of a temporary debuff.

What Players Think

PlayPile data shows an IGDB score of 72.2 out of 100 based on 195 ratings, indicating solid but mixed reception. The community spends an average of roughly 35 hours completing the main story, though finishing all content takes much longer. Only 31.2 percent of players have unlocked the standard set of achievements, with the rarest milestone being Revenant Preeminent at a mere 2.00% unlock rate. Most reviews mention the satisfying combat loop but criticize the repetitive boss encounters. User moods lean towards "satisfied" when playing co-op but drop to "frustrated" during difficult solo runs without proper gear upgrades.

PlayPile's Take

This game costs as little as $7.65 on current marketplaces, making it a low-risk purchase for action fans. The 43 achievements offer plenty of grinding for completionists, especially that elusive 2% rare one. You should play this if you like character builds with memory-based upgrades and want to fight bosses in dark, gothic environments. It works best when you have friends to team up with since the AI companions can struggle on higher difficulties. Skip it if you hate repetitive dungeon crawling or dislike anime art styles. The combat feels tight enough to justify another playthrough once you master your build.

Storyline

In the not too distant future, a mysterious disaster has brought collapse to the world as we know it. Towering skyscrapers, once symbols of prosperity, are now lifeless graves of humanity’s past pierced by the Thorns of Judgment. At the center of the destruction lies a hidden society of Revenants called Vein. This final stronghold is where the remaining few fight to survive, blessed with Gifts of power in exchange for their memories and a thirst for blood. Give into the bloodlust fully and risk becoming one of the Lost, fiendish ghouls devoid of any remaining humanity. Wandering aimlessly in search of blood, the Lost will stop at nothing to satisfy their hunger. Team up and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare in CODE VEIN.